Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. There are three cascades that dominate the panorama; the American, Bridal and mighty Horseshoe Falls. The falls are the largest by volume in the world with an average of about 7000 cubic meters of water flowing per second!
The massive display of power and thunder has drawn thousands of onlookers to admire natures work and every day visitors are awed by the churning hydraulic forces and the resulting hypnotic mist. The best view of the falls is from the air in a scenic flight. But if you need to feel the spray take a boat cruise or follow the designated walking paths where you can get up close to the unstoppable flow of rushing water as it surges over the arcing riverbed fault with thunderous force.
Driving from the US to Niagara you get your first glimpse of the falls from Rainbow Bridge, before you even see the falls you can hear the thunder and sight the plume of high spray in the sky. The icy mist rises for hundreds of meters as the waters collide, creating an ethereal veil that conceals the vast rift behind the torrent.
To make the most of your time at the falls you can purchase an Adventurer Pass which includes admission to the four top attractions and the hop on hop off bus for two days. My favourite is the Journey Behind the Falls and the exhilarating ride on board the famous Maid of the Mist which plies the boiling current at the base of majestic Horseshoe Falls. The first Maid of the Mist was launched in 1846 as a ferry service between the Canadian and American sides, what a great way to cross a river!
Stay a while on the Niagara Peninsula, Ontario’s premier wine producing region and explore more. Hike through Niagara Gorge, cycle around the countryside or visit the picture-postcard town of Niagara on the Lake, a wonderful peaceful hamlet in an area surrounded by winery’s that have a bountiful supply of excellent eating options.
